Physical and Financial Progress in Gandaki at a Four-Year High

Gandaki – Physical and financial progress in the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in Gandaki Province has reached a four-year high.

In today’s meeting of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, responding to questions raised in previous sessions, it was reported that this year’s physical progress reached 79.91 percent and financial progress reached 76.52 percent, the highest in the last four years.

Regarding roads, until FY 2081/082, a total of 231 multi-year projects were in progress, of which 45 multi-year road projects have been completed.

In the same fiscal year, 245.88 km of provincial roads were constructed or upgraded to blacktopped/paved roads, 66.73 km of roads were widened and improved at the gravel level, and 293.69 km of earthen roads underwent regular maintenance.

According to the report, in the road bridge sector, 69 multi-year projects were in progress, of which 15 projects have been completed. In the suspension bridge sector, 17 multi-year projects were underway, and 4 have been completed.

In the building sector, 4 multi-year projects were in progress, with 1 project completed. The contract for the Gandaki Provincial Assembly building was signed, and the foundation was laid on Bhadra 3, with construction progressing rapidly.

Regarding transport, the Ride-Sharing (Regulation and Management) Rules, 2082 have been issued and will be implemented soon.

Completing one year in charge of the ministry, the minister reported significant achievements in ministry operations during this period.

For FY 2082/083, the budget has been allocated to print new driver’s licenses within the province. Provisions have also been made for online renewal of vehicle registration and taxes.

The trial certificate requirement for vehicles has been removed, allowing individuals to take trials with their own vehicles. Additionally, results for the driver’s license are to be published within two days instead of ten.

Although maintenance work on the Pumdi–Bhumdi–Fedikhola road has been completed, final payment has not been made due to the contractor, and the work is ongoing. Contractors and office heads have been instructed to complete the work according to regulations.

Regarding delays in the Kusmise–Bareung–Shantipur road project, the ministry immediately called the contractor for discussions and directed that construction proceed without delay.

At the start of the first quarter, letters were sent to manage contracts for projects exceeding NPR 2 million, ensuring timely execution and maintaining work quality.

In multi-year projects with low budget, contracts were managed through annual projects, saving NPR 2,35,93,81,000, which has been reallocated to multi-year projects, partially solving the budget shortfall. In most districts, funds insufficient for multi-year projects were managed through annual project savings and payments were made for completed works, with the rest to be paid in the next fiscal year.

Last year, only 29% of funds were allocated to multi-year projects in all district infrastructure offices, causing delays. In FY 2082/083, about 65% of funds have been prioritized for multi-year projects, ensuring faster construction this year.

About 35% of funds have been allocated for annual projects.